Applications of high-resolution images and DTMs for detailed geomorphological analysis of mountain and plain areas of NW Italy

Detailed analysis of Digital Terrain Models (DTMs), digital imagery, and a discussion of their various applications and derived geothematic products are presented for study areas in two different g..

A Lagrangian Thin-Shell Finite Element Method for Interacting Particles on Fluid Membranes

A recurring motif in soft matter and biophysics is modeling the mechanics of interacting particles on fluid membranes. One of the main outstanding challenges in these applications is the need to model the strong coupling between the substrate deformation and the particles’ positions as the latter freely move on the former. This work presents a thin-shell finite element formulation based on subdivision surfaces to compute equilibrium configurations of a thin fluid shell with embedded particles. We use a variational Lagrangian framework to couple the mechanics of the particles and the substrate without having to resort to ad hoc constraints to anchor the particles to the surface. Unlike established methods for such systems, the particles are allowed to move between elements of the finite element mesh. This is achieved by parametrizing the particle locations on the reference configuration. Using the Helfrich–Canham energy as a model for fluid shells, we present the finite element method’s implementation and an efficient search algorithm required to locate particles on the reference mesh. Several analyses with varying numbers of particles are finally presented reproducing symmetries observed in the classic Thomson problem and showcasing the coupling between interacting particles and deformable membranes

High resolution satellite images for archeological applications: the Karima case study (Nubia region, Sudan)

This work presents an approach based on satellite remotely sensed images and Geomatics techniques aimed at supporting the Italian archeological missions that at the moment are active in the Karima Area (Sudan). It's well known that archaeologists often suffer from lack of updated maps useful to geographically manage the observations coming from the field and, possibly, to address or suggest where digging for new excavations. Specifically for this experience QuickBird and ASTER data were acquired and processed to generate a high scale multispectral orthoimage of the area. The spectral properties of the QB orthoimage were exploited with the purpose of obtaining suggestions about the possible existence of stil lhidden archaeological features

Urban geomorphology of Genoa old city (Italy)

Field survey and geomorphological mapping in urban areas are difficult tasks, particularly those related to the recognition of natural landforms within cities. In this case, it is necessary to apply an integrated scientific approach by combining geomorphology with historical-geography. This paper presents the result of a multi-year survey carried out in the natural morphological amphitheatre where the historic centre of Genoa developed. Our research methods included field surveys in urban areas, interpretation of natural and anthropic landforms from maps and photographs, and analyses of the available borehole logs. As a result, we updated knowledge on urban geomorphology of Genoa old city. An original geomorphological legend has been adopted, including new entries for anthropogenic landforms, targeted at a better visual representation on the changes in the geomorphological landscape during more than one thousand years of urban development of the city. The geomorphological map of Genoa old city is presented as a useful tool for urban planning, as well as for an integrated cultural and landscape enhancement of the territory